News

UAE Prepares To Trial First Driverless Truck At Dubai South

The tests will be conducted at the Logistics District and will help manufacturer Evocargo optimize the vehicles for the MENA region.

Published

2 years ago

December 15, 2022

Nour Nasir

uae prepares to trial first driverless truck at dubai south

Dubai Media Office

Dubai South, an urban master developer focused on aviation and logistics, has agreed to host a testing program for driverless trucks, which will be undertaken by Dubai-based firm, Evocargo.

The rigorous tests will take place at the development’s Logistics District and help to create a fleet of vehicles specifically configured for the climate and conditions of the Middle East and North Africa.

An on-site control facility will be built to manage the autonomous trucks, using remote operators and banks of sensors to monitor progress. The initial trials are aimed at “setting new benchmarks and consolidating the leadership status of the country’s logistics sector” and will help Dubai and the region as a whole to scale its logistics and supply chains for a globally-connected future.

Also Read: Dubai’s DMCC Gaming Centre Adds To A $1.8B Industry

The worldwide autonomous vehicle industry is forecast to pass $1.8 trillion in value by 2030, which represents a staggering growth rate of 39%. The UAE has already undertaken several initiatives to bring driverless vehicles to its roads as part of a broader push toward sustainability and modernization.

evocargo evo driverless truck

As for the Evocargo vehicles, the company’s main truck, the EVO.1, has a lifting capacity of 2,000 kg and can carry six Euro-pallets at 25 kmph. The light truck has a total range of 200 km and can charge from flat in 40 minutes using a special charging station — or up to 6 hours from a regular outlet.

Evocargo’s Dubai South tests will be the company’s first venture into autonomous vehicles as part of a global logistics network, and represent a significant milestone for Dubai as it continues to lead the region as a city of technological innovation.

Related Topics:Automotive Evocargo United Arab Emirates

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UAE’s Etihad Rail Launches In 2026 — What You Need To Know

A 1,200 km passenger network will transform public transport, with 11 connected cities, and high-speed trains cutting inter-emirate travel times.

Published

1 day ago

May 19, 2025

Nour Nasir

Etihad Rail

Etihad Rail has confirmed that its long-anticipated passenger train service will officially launch in 2026, ushering in a new era of high-speed, inter-emirate travel. The UAE’s national railway developer shared the announcement on X (formerly Twitter), as work continues on a 1,200 km passenger network set to connect 11 cities across all seven emirates.

The news marks a major leap in public transportation for the country, with passenger trains designed to reach speeds of up to 200 km/h. Travel times will be significantly reduced — Abu Dhabi to Dubai is expected to take just under an hour, while the journey to Fujairah will be cut to around 105 minutes. A separate high-speed line, capable of reaching 350 km/h, is also in the works to link Abu Dhabi and Dubai in just 30 minutes.

The backbone of the network was completed in 2023, when Etihad Rail launched its 900 km freight service linking key industrial and logistics hubs across the UAE, including ports in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Fujairah. Now, the focus has shifted to passenger infrastructure.

The first station will be located in Sakamkam, Fujairah city centre, and a second is confirmed near University City in Sharjah. Dubai’s main station is expected to be adjacent to Jumeirah Golf Estates Metro Station, while Abu Dhabi’s is anticipated along the corridor separating Mussafah Industrial Area and Mohammed Bin Zayed City.

Also Read: UGREEN Nexode Pro Review: Portable Yet Powerful Chargers

Once completed, the passenger network will link cities including Al Sila, Al Ruwais, Al Mirfa, Dubai, Sharjah, Al Dhaid, Abu Dhabi, Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah. Integration with Oman is also part of the long-term vision. A new cross-border project — Hafeet Rail — will span 303 km between Sohar and Abu Dhabi’s Al Wathba area. Developed by Etihad Rail in collaboration with Oman Rail and Mubadala, the link is expected to deepen trade and tourism ties between the two countries.

Etihad Rail’s passenger trains will carry up to 400 passengers each and feature Wi-Fi, entertainment systems, charging points, and onboard food and beverage options to ensure a comfortable experience. To further simplify access, passengers will be able to pay with their nol cards, thanks to a partnership between Etihad Rail and Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA). The collaboration aims to integrate fare payments and booking systems under one unified platform.